I went to the mall last week and was shocked to see it already decorated for Christmas. The holidays sneak up so quickly. It reminded me to check on a couple of giving opportunities that are great to do with your family, but happen really early in the season.
1. Operation Christmas Child: Collection week is NEXT week (November 16-23). Help your children pack a shoe box for a child; you can choose the age of the recipient (ages 2-4; 5-9; 10-14) and whether your box is for a boy or girl. Pack school supplies, hygiene products, hard candy, toys, flashlights, etc. Register your box online (paying a small fee for shipping, etc.) and you can track your box to find out where in the world it ends up! Enter your ZIP code at this page to find the closest drop-off locations if your church is not sponsoring a drive.
2. Charlotte Rescue Mission: Serving a meal on a holiday is very popular. Consider baking a pie (does it get any easier--or tastier--than the Libby's pumpkin pie?) with your child and delivering it the day before Thanksgiving to the mission.
3. Check your church or synagogue calendar for ways that you and your family can make a hands' on difference. One program you might consider is Room In the Inn, a partnership between over 100 area congregations and colleges and the Urban Ministry Center to provide a night of housing and meals for 12-14 people per site. Even young children can help make up the beds for the guests, or toss a salad for dinner.
To do: Keep a sharp eye out for volunteer opportunities that take place before the holidays take over your schedule.
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